Obituary of Donald Sipe

DONALD L. SIPE STERLING - Donald L. Sipe, 93, formerly of Prophetstown, died Sunday, September 11, 2011 at his home. Donald Leroy Sipe was born February 24, 1918 in Sioux Rapids, IA, the son of Calvin Leroy and Elsie (Johnson) Sipe. He married Thelma Jeannette Wright on August 2, 1947 in Algonquin. Don served in the Air Force as a glider pilot from 1941-1945 and had four landings behind enemy lines. After the war, Don began his law practice in Prophetstown in 1946 and retired in 1980. He was always connected with The Farmers National Bank of Prophetstown, serving as a director for 63 years before retiring in 2001. During his many years in Prophetstown, Don was active in helping Prophetstown grow. He, together with others, helped develop and build Prophet Hills Country Club and Winning Wheels, Inc. He had always been an active member of the First Congregational Church of Prophetstown. The Sipes donated a building on Prophetstown's main street to the Prophetstown Historical Society which was an important part of establishing that Society. Don and Thelma moved to Coventry Village in October 1995. Throughout his life, Don enjoyed fishing, golfing and traveling. Survivors include his wife, Thelma; one daughter, Diane Louise Sipe, of Denver, CO; two sons, Dean Allen (Ilene) Sipe, of Tuscon, AZ, and Reid Leroy (Keri) Sipe, of Mt. Vernon; and five grandchildren, Allen (Jenny) Sipe, Eric Sipe, Nikki Sipe, Kathleen Sipe and Brian Sipe. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, one brother, and an infant son. A private graveside service were held. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial has been established.